Motorists who use Poplar Creek Road will soon have to find an alternate route. The road will be shutdown for an extended period of time for repairs beginning Monday, June 3.

“You will need to give yourself extra time and find an alternate route during this process,” the Roane County Highway department said in a press release. “We apologize for the inconvenience as Poplar Creek Road is being repaired.”

The shut down on Poplar Creek will occur in the area of the cave that is currently one lane, according to the highway department.

Allen Hickman has stepped down as director of parks and recreation for the city of Harriman.

City Manager Kevin Helms said Hickman turned in his letter of resignation Friday afternoon.

“I was a bit surprised. I’ve enjoyed working with Allen. I think he has a true passion for our community so I hate to see him go in that respect. I think he will still be involved with the community. I think that’s something we can still look forward to,” he said.

Republican State Executive Committeeman Randy Ellis of Harriman joined a chorus of people calling for House Speaker Glen Casada to resign.

“The continued drama involving speaker Casada has quickly turned into a national embarrassment,” he said in a prepared statement on Monday. “It’s time for the speaker to step aside and allow for new leadership.”

Ellis and others got what they were hoping for as it was reported Tuesday morning that Casada would resign from his post.